Praising God in song! Learning the 7 Sacraments.

We celebrate God's love by praying and worshiping. 

The students learned that the Bible is God's written Word. God gave us laws called commandments. Jesus is seen as the new Moses. Jesus teaches that God is a loving father. Jesus teaches the Great Commandment. The reason for obeying all of the commandments is love.

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, it is a season of preparation for the celebration of Easter. The students turn their hearts more toward God and toward the needs of others. They made Lenten promise crosses and hung them on the Lenten tree. Coins were collected for Missionary boxes. Second grade made efforts to treat people with love and respect, the way Jesus did.

God calls us to love and serve Him and our neighbors. Religious vocations were discussed so that we can appreciate their loving service. Pope Francis is the leader of the universal Catholic church. The students enjoyed learning about the Vatican and comparing it to our pastors who leads our local parishes.  

The Second grade walked in procession to the Mater Chapel. They discussed the many symbolic references to Jesus' passion. Processions are an important feature of Catholic culture. Catholic processions are a form of pilgrimage. Catholics have developed many processions for special occasions to remind us that the Christian life is a constant movement toward God and our eternal home. 

The Second grade walked in procession to the Mater Chapel. They discussed the many symbolic references to Jesus' passion. Processions are an important feature of Catholic culture. Catholic processions are a form of pilgrimage. Catholics have developed many processions for special occasions to remind us that the Christian life is a constant movement toward God and our eternal home. 

The second grade visited the Rosary Chapel to learn about sacred spaces. They practiced correct prayers postures and how they have meaning in our faith. Catholic churches are meant to inspire the joy and beauty God has given us. They understood that Jesus, in the true presence, is in the tabernacle when the sanctuary lamp is lit. 

Alleluia! The children learned that Easter is a season to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. The fifty days from Easter to Pentecost are celebrated as one feast day. The Easter season concludes at Pentecost with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  

The girls have been joyfully preparing to receive their First Holy Communion. When we receive the sacrament of the Eucharist we grow in holiness.

The students learned that in the Eucharist we remember and celebrate what Jesus did for us.

The ASH community assembled for the Mass of Thanksgiving. We gave thanks and praise to God together.

The Sacrament Tree celebrates the 2nd grader's holy journey. They know that Jesus is with His people every time we celebrate the sacraments through the power of the Holy Spirit. The sacraments help us to live as friends of Jesus. We are united to Christ and one another at Mass. They learned about the Liturgy of the Word and Eucharist. The Eucharist feeds us and we are sent out in peace to share Jesus' love.

Lastly, they hear God's call. We are all called to be saints! The students know that Mary the Mother of God is the supreme model by her obedience and faithfulness to God. 

The students love stories about the many saints. It is exciting for them to know that God has a plan just for them. 

Following Jesus' new commandment and being faithful to who God created us to be, we love and respect one another. We are created in God's image. This belief extends to the environment as well. The students know that by caring for the world and loving one another we accept God's gift for us, and become gift-givers like our God.